Unitized fixture and assembly



Nov. 8, 3966 J. BRASTY ETAL 3,284,624

UNITIZED FIXTURE AND ASSEMBLY Filed May 12 1 5 Sheets-$heet l INVENTOR. JOSEPH 85545 7') BY GER/4A0 .S'PEAO ,1. M MW may;

1966 J. BRASTY ETAL UNITIZED FIXTURE AND ASSEMBLY 5 Sheets-5heet 2 Filed May 12, 1964 INVENTORS JOSEPH BEAST) BY GRALD .S'PERO 1966 .J. BRASTY ETAL 3, 84,624

UNITIZED FIXTURE AND ASSEMBLY Filed May 12, 1964 5 Sheets$heet 25 ul [I \lllli Inning lllllllll IN VEN TORS JOSEPH B245 7') GERALD SPERO BY //%MI 146% W United States Patent Ofilice 3,284,624 UNITIZED FIXTURE AND ASSEMBLY Joseph Brasty, Maple Heights, and Gerald Spero, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, assignors to The Spero Electric Corporation, a corporation of Ohio Filed May 12, 1964, Ser. No. 366,700 9 Claims. (Cl. 24011.4)

This invention as indicated, relates generally to a lighting fixture and ballast, and more particularly to improvements by which the fixtures and ballast can be assembled and mounted as a unit. The invention will be described in relation to a mercury vapor lighting fixture in combination with a ballast; it being understood, however, that this invention may be applied to any lighting fixture which requires a ballast as a necessary part of its operation.

Heretofore, the practice has been to mount the mercury vapor lamp fixtures separately from their ballast; the ballast being mounted remotely on an adjacent beam or Wall, and serving one or more lamps. Remotely mounting the ballast, however, necessitates use of more wire as well as a more complicated system of wiring. The multiple mountings require more time and eflort on installation, and maintenance and repair is more complicated. Further compounding installation, maintenance and repair, the conventional ballast has been potted rendering it diliicult to service the component parts of the ballast such as the capacitor which generally requires a higher degree of service and replacement than any other component parts of the ballast,

This invention solves these problems by providing a unitary structure for the fixture and ballast which is partially severable for ease in mounting and installation. This ease in mounting and installation is further enhanced by providing a ballast which is unpotted and which thereby also reduces the difficulty in service and repair. The unpotted ballast is supported within a suitable housing and is easily accessible as it maybe lowered and removably suspended from the housing for easy service or replacement. The arrangement whereby the unpotted ballast is removably suspended from the housing forms a significant feature of this invention, because a relatively light-weight housing can be mounted on the ceiling or other support, and then the heavier ballast, socket and reflector subassembly can be suspended in spaced relation from the housing while the installer makes the necessary wiring connections after which the subassembly can be readily inserted and secured within the housing. Maintenance and repair are further facilitated by having both the lamp and ballast within reach of each other.

In another embodiment of this invention, service and maintenance are further facilitated by incorporating only the coil of the ballast in the subassembly which is secured within the housing and by mounting the capacitor in some remote location where the capacitive requirements of a number of fixtures can be lumped for easy accessibility. This embodiment of the invention can be employed in installations where, for example, the temperature or atmospheric conditions would not hamper the coil and other component parts of the fixture but might adversely affect the capacitor. Furthermore, lumping of the capacitors of a number of fixtures in a remote location permits economies in energizing circuit design in a manner that will be hereinafter more fully described.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, the following description and annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but a few of the various forms in which the principle of this invention may be employed.

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3,284,624 Patented Nov. 8, 1966 In the annexed drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the unitary fixture and ballast assembly.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the unitary fixture and ballast assembly.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of one of the support brackets showing the elongated slot in which the support arm rides.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the snap on lamp and socket assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

Briefly stated, this invention resides in the provision of a unitary lighting fixture and ballast assembly comprising a housing having one extremity open. A ballast, adapted to be supported within the housing, is mounted on a support which seals off the open extremity of the housing. The ballast support is removably secured to a plurality of arms which are slidably secured to the housing for lowering the support and ballast from the housing, whereby electrical connections are more easily made. A plurality of clamps are carried by the housing at its open extremity to clamp the ballast support to the open extremity of the housing thus holding the ballast within the housing. A lamp socket and reflector are removably secured to the ballast support to complete the unitary assembly.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 2 and 4 of the annexed drawings there is shown a ballast housing generally indicated at 2, which is cylindrical in shape. The upper extremity of the cylindrical housing 2 is closed except for a centrally disposed opening indicated at 4. The housing 2 at this extremity is adapted to be secured to a conduit or electrical outlet box, for example the conduit 6 passes through the opening 4 and is secured to the upper extremity of the housing 2 by conventionally designed fastening means, e.g. oppositely disposed bolts 8 and 10 and Washer 11. The other extremity of housing 2 is open having a flanged annular rim portion generally indicated at 12. Secured to the annular flange rim portion 12 are a plurality of circumferentially spaced extensible clamps; for example, clamps 14 and 16 which are secured to the rim portion 12 by any suitable fastening means, e.g. rivets 18. A planar disc portion or ballast support 20 is adapted to seal off the open extremity of the housing 2. A plurality of U-shaped seat clamps, for example, seat clamps 22 and 24, are secured within the rim portion 12 in opposed relation to the circumferentially spaced extensible clamps. The ballast support 20 is held against the seat clamps when the extensible clamps are retracted and locked. Mounted on the support 20 and disposed within the housing 2 is an unpotted ballast including a reactor 26 and a capacitor 27.

The support 20 is secured to a plurality of support arms, for example, support arms 28 and 34) which are slidably secured to the housing 2. The support arms 28 and 30 have at their upper extremities outstanding finger portions 32 and 34, respectively, which are slidable in elongated slots in U-shaped support clamps secured to the cylindrical wall 36 inside the housing 2. For example, the finger portions 32 and 34 are slidable in the elongated slots similar to slot 37 (FIG. 3) in support brackets 38 and 40, respectively, which are secured to the cylindrical walls 36 within the housing 2 by any suitable fastening means, e.g. rivets 42. the support 20 on which the ballast is mounted is lowered from the housing 2 to facilitate removal of the ballast as well as making the electrical connections.

In the embodiment of the invention shown. in FIG. 2, metal or plastic encased porcelain socket generally In this manner.

indicated at 42 is secured to the support 20. The socket 42 is oppositely disposed to the ballast. The porcelain socket 42 is adapted to receive a lamp generally indicated at 44. The lamp 44 is centrally disposed within the light reflector 46 which is secured to, and in spaced relation to the support 20 by suitable fastening spacer means for example, erg. nuts and bolts 48 and t coacting with spacer nipples 52 and 54, respectively, which coact to hold the reflector 46 in spaced relation to the support 20. In this manner the housing 2 is first mounted. The support is then secured to the support arms which permit the support 20 to drop below the housing 2. The ballast, lamp and reflector are then secured to the support 20 in their respective positions and the necessary electrical connections made. The support 20 is then pushed into place and secured by the extensible locking clamps.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5 of the annexed drawings, there is shown another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment of the invention differs from that shown in FIG. 1; namely, in that the lamp socket with attached reflector is readily detachable from the ballast support. The substantially planar disc or ballast support 56 is similar to support 20 of the other embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Ballast consisting of a similar capacitor 27 and a similar reactor 26 are mounted on the support 56. A centrally disposed outstanding annular rim portion 58 is secured to and suspended from the support 56. Centrally disposed within the annular rim 58 is a porcelain socket 60 having metal terminals 62 and 64 which coact with mating terminals 66 and 68 of the porcelain lamp socket generally indicated at 78. The porcelain lamp socket 70 is centrally disposed within the metallic or plastic lamp socket generally indicated at 72.

The annular rim 58 has a plurality of inwardly extending lugs, for example lugs 74, 76 and 78 spaced around its inner periphery at its outstanding annular extremity 80. As more easily seen in FIG. 5 these lugs, located around the inner periphery of the extremity 80 of the annular rim 58, are adapted to coact with mating vertical and horizontal recesses located on the extremity of the lamp socket 72. For example, as seen in FIG. 5, the lug 76 is adapted to slide along the vertical recess 82 as the lamp socket 72 is inserted into the annular rim 58. The lamp socket 72 is then twisted and the lug 76 slides along the horizontal curved recess 84. The lug 76 is then permitted to fall into the recess 86 which locks the lamp socket 72 in position within the annular rim 58. Similar mating recesses coact with each of the other lugs.

The lamps socket 72 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 4 is tE-rusto-conical in shape having its sides diverging in a direction away from the annular rim 58. Secured to the diverging extremity of the lamp socket 72 is a flanged rim portion 88. A reflector 90 which may be similar to reflector 46, is held in spaced relation to the flange rim portion 88 of the lamp socket 72 by a plurality of spacing nipples, for example, nipples 92 and 96 which are held in place by conventional fastening means for example nuts and bolts 98 and 100 respectively, which are equally spaced around the circumference of the flanged rim portion 88 of the lamp socket 72. The lamp 104 is centrally disposed within the light reflector 98 and secured within the porcelain socket 70.

A metallic or plastic dish portion generally indicated at 106 having a centrally disposed cylindrical wall portion 108, is adapted to encase the annular rim portion 58 of the support 56 to give the fixture a more esthetic appearance. The outer walls of the dish portion 106 diverge in a curved direction toward the open extremity of the housing 2. An outstanding annular flange portion 110 of the dish portion 106 is adapted to seat against the support 56 adjacent the annular open extremity of the housing 2. The extensible clamps spaced around the housing, for example, clamps 14 and 16 are adapted to clamp against this outstanding annular flange portion 110 to hold the support 56 and the dish portion 106 against the seat clamps, for example, clamps 22 and 24 to seal the open extremity of the housing 2.

This embodiment of the invention is easily assembled in place. The lightweight housing is first mounted in position. The support 56 is then secured to the support arms and lowered from the housing 2. The ballast is secured to the support 56 and the necessary electrical connections made. The dish section is placed on the support 56 and this assembly comprising the dish section 106 and the support 56 are locked in position by the extensible clamps. The lamp and reflector are then placed into the socket and locked in position.

The wires are brought from the electrical circuit through the conduit 6 into the inside of the housing 2. The ballast consisting of the reactor 26 and the capacitor 27 are then connected to the circuit either in series or in parallel. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 the wires are then brought through the centrally disposed opening 112 in the planar disc 20 into the porcelain receptacle 42 and attached to the metal terminals 114 and 116. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, after the ballast comprising the reactor 26 and the capacitor 27 has been connected either in parallel or in series, the wires are brought through the centrally disposed opening 118 of the planar disc 56 into the porcelain receptacle 60 within the annular rim 58. The wires are attached to the metal terminals 62 and 64 of the porcelain receptacle 60. The recess containing extremity of the lamp socket 72 is then placed within the annular rim 58 and twisted causing the lugs to coact with the mating recesses to lock the lamp socket 72 in position within the annular rim 58. The mating terminals 66 and 68 of the lamp socket 72 coact with the terminals 62 and 64, respectively, to complete the circuit. The spring 120, disposed around the porcelain socket 60, is compressed as the lamp socket 72 is placed within the annular rim 58. The spring 120 exerts pressure against the annular extremity of the lamp socket 72 to keep the metal terminals 62 and 64 in contact with the mating terminals 66 and 68, respectively.

Another embodiment of this invention is an all new approach to mercury-vapor lighting, utilizing specially designed ballasts without capacitors to eliminate the cause of most ballast failures, permitting the embodiments of the fixtures shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to be installed in areas without concern for possible ballast failures. With only a coil and core reactor in the ballast compartment of each uniti-zed fixture, ballast maintenance becomes a thing of the past. Ballast fusing can usually be eliminated, and even the areas where ceiling temperatures are elevated by process heat can now have the benefits of the newest and best in lighting.

The unitary fixtures, having ballasts without capacitors, operate individually at low power-factor, which means that the energizing current is supplied through the line wires rather than from local capacitors. However, in order to regain the advantage of the high power-factor installation, a large industrial-type capacitor is connected to the branch-circuit conductors between the switch and the lamps, thus supplying the energizing current required for the whole circuit. The strategic location of the capacitor, at a point where it can best do its job, is a logical step forward in lighting technology. The economy of one large capacitor rather than many small ones may also be an important consideration.

This system makes use of the coil and core reactor ballast, Which has the lowest heat loss of any of the various types of ballasts.

This system makes it possible, for the first time, to apply mercury-vapor lighting in all of the places where this most efficient, most easily maintained source is desired. Some of the benefits derived in using this system are:

(1) Simplified ordering, streamlined installation, orderly appearance of the unitized fixture.

(2) Ballasts without capacitors are lighter in weight, less costly, more efficient and have almost unlimited life expectancy.

(3) The large, industrial type capacitor is also a longlife, maintenance-free item. Capacitor connections are reduced from two per lamp to two or three per circuit.

(4) These three benefits combine to make ballast failure such a rarity that provisions for ballast maintenance are no longer justified-the ballast can be considered as permanent as the fixed wiring of the building. In most cases separate fusing of each ballast will be judged unnecessary, thus eliminating another possible source of trouble. With vented, self-cleaning reflectors; maintenance-free ballasts; no ballast fuses; and long-life mercury lamps, the nuisance and hazard of lighting maintenance almost ceases to exist. A group-replacement and cleaning program, perhaps only once each four years, becomes an attractive reality.

Thus has been provided a unitized fixture and ballast assembly which is particularly adapted for use with a mercury vapor lamp. The parts are accessible and easily replaced giving quickly and low cost maintenance. Less wiring material and uncomplicated Wiring systems make this unitized structure very economical to install and maintain.

Other modes of applying the principle of this invention may be employed instead of those specifically set forth above, changes being made as regards the details herein disclosed, provided the elements set forth in any of the following claims, or the equivalent of such be employed.

It is, therefore, particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed as the invention:

1. A unitized lighting fixture and ballast prising in combination:

(a) a housing;

(b) a ballast for mounting within the housing;

(c) means coacting with the ballast for mounting the ballast within the housing, such that the ballast can be moved relative to the housing, and to a position where the ballast is at least partially removed from the housing and supported by the housing in said removed position;

(d) a light reflector including a socket for receiving a lamp, extending from the housing; and

(e) means for mounting the light reflector and socket for unitary movement with the ballast.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ballast mounting means (c) includes, means for slidably mounting the ballast on the housing such that the ballast moves rather than the housing.

3. The assembly of claim 2, which includes:

(f) means coacting with the housing for detachably clamping the ballast within the housing.

4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the ballast mounting means (c) includes:

(g) a support on which the ballast is mounted;

(h) a plurality of arms secured to, and extending from the ballast support; and

(i) means coacting with the free ends of the support arms for slidably mounting the support arms on the housing.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the reflector and socket mounting means (e) includes:

assembly com- (j) means for detachably securing the light reflector and socket to the ballast support.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the means for detachably securing the light reflector and socket to the ballast support includes, a bayonet type fitting.

'7. A unitized lighting fixture and ballast assembly comprising:

(a) a housing having one extremity open to receive a ballast;

(b) means at the other extremity of the housing for mounting the housing at an electrical outlet;

(c) a ballast to be supported within the housing;

((1) a support for supporting the ballast including:

(1) a substantially planar disc to seal the open extremity of the housing on which the ballast is mounted;

(2) a centrally disposed outstanding cylindrical portion secured to the other side of the disc and oppositely disposed from the ballast; and

(3) engaging means secured to the free extremity of the outstanding portion to lockingly engage mating means secured to a lamp socket;

(e) a plurality of arms spaced around the open extremity of the housing, slidably mounted on the housing and secured to said support for lowering said support to a position where the ballast is at least partially removed from the housing, and supported in said removed position;

(f) a plurality of extensible clamps secured to the housing around its open extremity for coaction with the support for securing it to the open extremity of the housing, whereby the ballast is held within the housing;

(g) a socket having at one extremity means for receiving a lamp, and at its opposite extremity means for interlocking engagement with the engaging means secured to the outstanding portion secured to the planar portion; and

(11) alight reflector secured to the socket.

8. A unitized lighting fixture and ballast assembly comprising a housing With an open end, a support for supporting the ballast Within the housing, a reflector including a lamp socket mounted on the support and extending from the ballast, and extensible means coacting between the support and housing for lowering the support such that the ballast, reflector and lamp socket are moved to a position where the ballast is at least partially removed from the housing and supported in said removed position.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the extensible means includes a plurality of arms slidably mounted on the housing and spaced around its open extremity.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner. C. R. RHODES, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A UNITIZED LIGHTING FIXTURE AND BALLAST ASSEMBLY COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: (A) A HOUSING; (B) A BALLAST FOR MOUNTING WITHIN THE HOUSING; (C) MEANS COACTING WITH THE BALLAST FOR MOUNTING THE BALLAST WITHIN THE HOUSING, SUCH THAT THE BALLAST CAN BE MOVED RELATIVE TO THE HOUSING, AND TO A POSITION WHERE THE BALLAST IS AT LEAST PARTIALLY REMOVED FROM THE HOUSING AND SUPPORTED BY THE HOUSING IN SAID REMOVED POSITION; (D) A LIGHT REFLECTOR INCLUDING A SOCKET FOR RECEIVING A LAMP, EXTENDING FROM THE HOUSING; AND (E) MEANS FOR MOUNTING THE LIGHT REFLECTOR AND SOCKET FOR UNITARY MOVEMENT WITH THE BALLAST. 